Transparency Image Scanning Patents (Class 358/506)
  • Patent number: 6674466
    Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing apparatus for reducing the light-dark contrast between a main subject and a background when an image photographed by a camera or the like using an electronic flash is read optically. An image portion corresponding to a wall as a background, where the light amount is reduced, and an image portion corresponding to a person are separated from each other. Only the wall image portion is sampled, the decreased light amount thereof is corrected (addition is carried out) on the basis of the photographing distance to the wall and the light distribution characteristics of the electronic flash, and the light-darkness contrast between the wall image portion and the main subject image portion can be reduced. As a result, image quality can be improved, and an appropriate photographic image can be taken even with an inexpensive and simple camera such as an LF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoki Takaoka
  • Patent number: 6674553
    Abstract: A change-over part of an image reading apparatus changes over the function of an operation part disposed on the main body of the image reading apparatus between functioning as an operation part for a connection apparatus and functioning as an operation part for the main body of the image reading apparatus. By this arrangement, it is possible for the user to perform the various kinds of processing operations at the setting place of the image reading apparatus without coming and going between the image reading apparatus and a personal computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Denshi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yohei Ito
  • Patent number: 6674508
    Abstract: To achieve for a photographic film conveying device that no external force causing conveying speed to vary is applied to a photographic film during image reading, after a preceding photographic film is discharged from a reading conveying path, the time until a subsequent photographic film is conveyed to the reading conveying path is not long, or even if a photographic film set in a film supplying section is elongate, image reading of photographic films by an image reading section can be carried out efficiently, there is provided a photographic film conveying device comprising a section setting a discharge conveying section in a withdrawn state or a conveying state, a section controlling conveying of preceding and subsequent photographic films, or a section switching a conveying path of a photographic film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignees: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Ando, Yasuhiro Kaneko
  • Patent number: 6666538
    Abstract: A recording method of a medical image comprising: jetting ink onto a recording medium to make the medical image, wherein a reflection density vs. transmission density characteristic curve of the recorded medical image is monotone non-decreasing in the range of the transmission density being not more than 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Yamano
  • Publication number: 20030231363
    Abstract: A transparency adapter includes a frame configured to removably receive and support a transparent media to be scanned, and a housing cooperating with the frame to position the frame at a comfortable viewing angle. A method of scanning an image residing on transparent media and a system for improving the scanning of transparencies on the platen of a reflective scanner are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Jacklyn M. Dowdy, Modest Khovaylo, Philipp H. Refior, Tony Aguilar
  • Patent number: 6661539
    Abstract: A flatbed-type digital scanner has a vertically oriented scanning surface. Because the size of the scanner in a dimension normal to the scanning surface is significantly less than the length or width of the scanning surface, the scanner is taller than it is wide, and consumes less space on a desktop than conventional flatbed scanners. Preferably, an outer cover and an intermediate transparent cover are attached to the scanner by a hinge near the bottom. The inner surface of the outer cover has a relatively high coefficient of friction, to prevent slippage of documents. To scan a document, the outer cover is pulled down to a horizontal position, and the document is placed face-up on the outer cover, and the intermediate cover is lowered into position next to the outer cover, so that the scanned document is held in place between the two covers. The two covers are then rotated together to position the document next to the scanning surface for scanning. A latch mechanism holds the covers in place during rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Wright Jacken Nee
  • Patent number: 6661529
    Abstract: An image data processing system includes a PDA (2), an image data processing unit (3) for editing image data created by the PDA, and a personal computer. The above units include communication units (16, 35, 47) which can communicate with one another via a communication line a. The PDA includes an image input unit (12) for creating the image data of a subject, image data-related information creating means (20) for creating information related to the image data, and an input unit (14) for determining an output format of image data and the like. The image data processing unit (3) includes a data storage unit (34) for storing received image data and the like, a CPU (31) for editing image data based on an input of output format information, and a printer (5) for outputting the edited image data. The personal computer (4) includes a CPU (41) for editing received image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Sanbongi, Minoru Tagi
  • Patent number: 6661544
    Abstract: Since amounts of illuminated light of each color are well-balanced by using a light source generating a small amount of heat and emitting light of a high color temperature during light emission, images can be read at high speed and with high accuracy. LED chips are applied for a light source, and are arranged by color so as to form substantially straight lines on an aluminum substrate, at a high density. Emitted light is made to be incident on a photographic film via an acrylic block. Since light emitted from the LED chips 64 has a high color temperature and includes a large amount of light of short wavelengths, an SN ratio of a read image is excellent and the image can be read at high speed. A heat pipe is piped at the rear surface side of the aluminum substrate and a coolant is circulated inside the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Okino, Masaaki Konno
  • Patent number: 6657753
    Abstract: A plurality of picture image data obtained from a film in one film handling operation by a film scanner with the automatic film feeding function are output as prints by a digital printer and also as files in a recording medium by a file outputting device. In the system for providing the above two kinds of output services, the numbers of film scanners, file outputting devices, and digital printers are determined so that the processing performance of each kind of apparatus in a unit time times the number of each kind of apparatus is almost the same, to make each kind of apparatus comprising the system demonstrate its full performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Shiota, Shuichi Ohtsuka, Nobuyoshi Nakajima, Norihisa Haneda, Sugio Makishima, Hiroshi Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20030202225
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus capable of switching between and reading a reflective original and a transparent original is adapted to consume less power and is reduced in size. The evolution of heat by a light source can be suppressed and power consumption reduced by using a solid-state light source such as an LED as light sources for illuminating both reflective and transparent originals. In addition, owing to use of LEDs and sharing of a timing drive circuit, the apparatus per se can be reduced in size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Kimihiko Fukawa, Tsutomu Takayama
  • Patent number: 6639696
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus, according to the present invention, capable of obtaining high quality image data in accordance with reading determining conditions is provided. The reading determining conditions for an image are as follows. The first step is waiting for the input of resolution (S200) and then pre-scanning of a photographic film to be read is carried out (S202-206). After that, as setup for the fine scanning, a zoom magnification corresponding to the resolution inputted in S200 and the lens diaphragm condition are determined and then, respective sections are set to that zoom magnification and lens diaphragm condition (S208, 210). Then, fine-scan is carried out for all film images (S212-220).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomonori Nishio
  • Patent number: 6633418
    Abstract: The image reading method and apparatus read photoelectrically an original image by an image sensor and convert an output signal of the image sensor into a digital signal. At least one of an adjusting step of a quantity of light incident upon the image sensor by a light transmittance adjusting operation in an optical path, a sensing condition control step in the image sensor, and an intensity adjusting step of the output signal from the image sensor is used and a maximum value of a signal upon being converted into the digital signal is set to be constant without recourse to the original image. The method and apparatus can attain following effects that a variable aperture is unnecessary, a shading fluctuation occurred in a light quantity adjusting operation is eliminated, and an image reading operation with a maximum use of a dynamic range of a scanner by an apparatus at low costs and at high precision can be executed, in an operation for photoelectircally reading an image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshirou Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 6633408
    Abstract: Predicting a reflectance spectrum of a photographic print based on data from a scanned color negative. The technique uses dye concentration, providing a channel-independent basis for the spectral model. The spectral model includes three conceptual sections: scanner and film models, a photographic printer model, and a photographic paper model. The scanner and film section converts digital data from a scan of a color negative on a calibrated scanner into predictions of the spectral transmittance for each pixel. The photographic printer section uses an exposure schedule and optionally a color temperature and computes the spectrum of the exposing illumination as a function of time. The photographic paper section converts the illuminated negative's spectral power first into dye concentration estimates and subsequently into a predicted reflectance spectrum for the simulated print.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Kodak Polychrome Graphics, LLC
    Inventor: William A. Rozzi
  • Publication number: 20030189736
    Abstract: The present invention provides an image scanning apparatus having an illuminating device which irradiates illumination, an imaging element which has a light receiving part for receiving light and for generating signal charges, in which the light is an illumination irradiated from the illuminating device and influenced by the original, and has a transfer part for transferring the signal charges, and a controlling device which indicates timings at a predetermined state used to transfer signal charges generated by the light receiving part of the imaging element. In addition, the present invention provides an image scanning apparatus having an illuminating device, an imaging device which reads out signal charges generated by the light receiving part and outputs the signal charges as image data of the original, and a controlling device that prohibits illumination from irradiating in the illuminating device while image data of the original is output from the imaging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiro Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6631011
    Abstract: A method for remotely selecting and ordering photographic prints, includes the steps of: sending a photographic film bearing a plurality of latent images to a photofinisher; developing the photographic film to produce visible images and scanning the visible images to create a digital image file at the photo finisher; producing an index print having a plurality of images from the photographic film along with an index number associated with each image and an order number; sending the index print to a customer; selecting images for which prints are desired from the index print; ordering photographic prints via telephone from the customer's home to the photofinisher, specifying the order number and the index numbers associated with the images for which prints are desired; and making photographic prints of the selected images at the photofinisher and sending the photographic prints to the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John Randall Fredlund, David Lynn Patton, Roger R. A. Morton, Steven Bruce Paciocco
  • Patent number: 6631244
    Abstract: A film handling apparatus having a carrier, wherein the carrier is provided with a film size sensor disposed near a film entrance opening, a transport path capable of changing a transport width while maintaining a constant center position, a mask provided with opening opposite a film and designed for use with various sizes of film and a controller for changing the transport path width and selecting the mask opening in accordance with the film size detected by the film size sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Osami Suginaga
  • Patent number: 6628432
    Abstract: An image reader is provided with a transparent member which is placed in an optical path from the surface of an original document bed on the side of a carriage to a condensing lens, whereby when the transparent member exists at a predetermined position, the condensing lens can be focused on a translucent original existing at a position above the position of a reflection original. When the transparent member is at a second predetermined position, the condensing lens can be focused on the reflection original. The condensing lens can be focused on more than one position simply by placing the transparent member in the optical path, so that the structure is simple and the manufacturing costs can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Oshima, Chikashi Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20030179398
    Abstract: An image forming method, comprises steps of scanning a pigment image on a film and producing digital image data corresponding to the pigment image; providing the digital image data with additional data representing at least one of a judgment result obtained by judging a photographing condition of the pigment image, and image processing condition for the digital image data determined on a basis of the judgment result for the photographing condition, a scanning condition at the scanning step; and a pigment image forming condition of the pigment image on the film; processing the digital image data on a basis of the additional data; and forming an image on a basis of the processed digital image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Hiroaki Takano, Tsukasa Ito
  • Publication number: 20030174367
    Abstract: A document surface micro-adjust mechanism for an optical scanner. The optical scanner has an outer casing with a transparent document platform in the upper section. An optical lens is enclosed inside the outer casing. The document surface micro-adjust mechanism uses a carrier chassis to embed the transparent document platform. One end of the carrier chassis is hinged upon the upper wall of the outer casing while the other end of the carrier chassis has a through hole to be engaged to a locking hole on a latching structure attached to the upper section of the outer casing. A locking element passes through the through-hole to engage with the locking hole. An elastic element is positioned between the carrier chassis and the latching structure. Depth of the locking element inside the locking hole may be adjusted to vary optical distance from the document surface of the transparent document platform to the optical lens inside the scanner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Yin-Chun Huang, Shu-Ya Chiang
  • Patent number: 6621923
    Abstract: A method that creates a high detail reproduction of an image that closely matches the color and tone of an existing photograph. Scanning the original negative of the image retrieves the image detail. Scanning an existing photograph of the image retrieves the color and tone information. The image detail information and the color and tone information are then combined to create a high detail reproduction of the image that closely matches the color and tone of the existing photograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: K Douglas Gennetten
  • Patent number: 6621602
    Abstract: In order to able to shorten the transporting time of the image information carrier as much as possible when the processing of magnetic information and the reading of an image are performed during the same transporting movement, an image reading device which transports an elongated image information carrier on which a plurality of image frames are recorded and which is provided with a magnetic recording layer on which is recorded magnetic information, and which reads image information of each image frame, comprising a linear scanner which performs a prescan for preliminarily reading image information of each image frame and which performs a fine scan for reading image information of each image frame under reading condition set on the basis of image information obtained in the prescan, a magnetic information reading and writing section which reads magnetic information on the magnetic recording layer during the prescan and writes magnetic information during the fine scan, and transporting section which transport
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Tsuji
  • Patent number: 6621603
    Abstract: An optical, multi-resolution scanning apparatus for scanning transparent or opaque objects including a high resolution lens, a low resolution lens, a flip mirror switch which alternates between high resolution mode and low resolution mode of scanning, a flip mirror switch which alternates between transmissive mode and reflective mode of scanning whereby high and low resolution scanning of opaque and/or transparent objects may be accomplished through movement of flip mirror switches, without transverse movement of the lens assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Microtek International Inc.
    Inventor: Loi Han
  • Patent number: 6618158
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for calibrating an imaging system having multiple imaging outputs such as a plurality of laser diodes. Calibration is achieved by driving each imaging output to form a test pattern on an imaging element, each test pattern having one or more image regions and each image region having a target optical property such as a target optical density. Next, an optical property, such as optical density, is measured for each image region. A response curve is generated for each set of image regions having substantially equal target optical properties. The imaging outputs are adjusted by reducing a difference between the measured optical property and the generated response curve, thereby reducing optical variations between regions that are imaged by the multiple imaging outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Kodak Polychrome Graphics, LLC
    Inventors: David E. Brown, William A. Tolbert, John Souter
  • Patent number: 6614564
    Abstract: A verification screen is displayed by using information obtained by prescanning. On the basis of a print magnification, fine scanning conditions are computed, and a determination is made as to whether or not a density of an image obtained by prescanning is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. If the density of the image obtained by prescanning is not greater than or equal to the predetermined value, fine scanning is carried out in accordance with fine scan conditions. If the density of the image obtained by prescanning is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the image is read at a charge accumulating time which is longer than a charge accumulating time during fine scanning and at a conveying speed which is slower than a conveying speed during fine scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasunobu Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 6608707
    Abstract: A stand alone flat bed scanner including a CPU, a removable storage medium, a control system displaying digital image and controls for controlling the mode of operation, degree of resolution, related parameters associated with generating, storing and displaying digital data. Ports for printers, accessories and other peripherals, an internal hard drive, and software adapted to display images directly on a television screen, including battery, and a pivotal handle for portable use in environments not having an external power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Microtek International, Inc.
    Inventor: Loi Han
  • Publication number: 20030151767
    Abstract: Negative films and prints neglected in households are organized efficiently. A user 2 requests of a DPE store 3 image reading from negative films NF neglected in his/her home. The DPE store 3 requests image reading from a laboratory 4. In the laboratory 4, images are read from the negative films NF by an image generation apparatus 40, and image data sets S1 are obtained. The time period of production of the respective negative films NF is specified by reading a code number recorded on the negative films NF, and information J including date/time information representing the time period is obtained. The image data sets S1 are sent to an image storage server 6 together with the information J, and classified and stored according to the user and the time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Shizuo Habuta, Hideki Morikawa, Katsuo Ogura
  • Publication number: 20030142371
    Abstract: In a method of controlling an image reading apparatus, which has an illumination unit adapted to irradiate an object with first and second light rays in different frequency ranges, and a light-receiving unit adapted to receive light coming from the object, and to output a signal, and reads an image of the object by moving the illumination unit and light-receiving unit relative to the object, the light-receiving unit outputs a first signal in response to irradiation with the first light ray, and outputs a second signal in response to irradiation with the second light ray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mitsugu Hanabusa, Tsutomu Takayama
  • Patent number: 6600572
    Abstract: A method for remotely selecting and ordering photographic prints, includes the steps of: sending a photographic film bearing a plurality of latent images to a photofinisher; developing the photographic film to produce visible images and scanning the visible images to create a digital image file at the photo finisher; producing an index print having a plurality of images from the photographic film along with an index number associated with each image and an order number; sending the index print to a customer; selecting images for which prints are desired from the index print; ordering photographic prints via telephone from the customer's home to the photofinisher, specifying the order number and the index numbers associated with the images for which prints are desired; and making photographic prints of the selected images at the photofinisher and sending the photographic prints to the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John Randall Fredlund, David Lynn Patton, Roger R. A. Morton, Steven Bruce Paciocco
  • Patent number: 6600548
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing correction of at least one of correction of chromatic aberration of magnification, distortion aberration, deterioration of marginal luminosity and defocusing on the image data is disclosed. The method and apparatus designates a lens type taking lens manually and then performs correction of the image quality deterioration using the designated lens type and a position information of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Enomoto
  • Publication number: 20030133173
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pantyliner, in particular for pregnant women, with a liquid-impermeable lower layer and a liquid-permeable covering layer, where a test insert (3) provided with a test substance is arranged between the lower layer (1) and the covering layer (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: H?uuml;lya Buzluhan
  • Patent number: 6594041
    Abstract: A log-time stitching system provides for directly determining an accurate pixel exposure for each pixel in a recorded image. The present invention provides a digital processing system in which signals associated with a pixel are obtained at each of a plurality of different development times of the film being developed. A regression analysis that compares these different development times versus the natural log of time is made, to obtain a best fit line of this data, which line is then used to determine a “b” value. This “b” value or “fitting constant” corresponds to the intersection of the y-intercept and the best fit line. It has been discovered that this “b” value is substantially directly proportional to the log exposure of the pixel. Accordingly, this “b” value can be directly used to determine an appropriate exposure of the pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Applied Science Fiction, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Eugene Canata
  • Publication number: 20030129507
    Abstract: An image information recording method, comprising the steps of: (a) imagewise exposing to light a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material comprising a support having thereon a light-sensitive layer containing a silver halide and a color coupler; (b) subjecting the photographic light-sensitive material to color development so as to obtain an image in the photographic light-sensitive material; (c) converting the image in the photographic light-sensitive material to electric image information using a scanner comprising a light source part and a light receiving part while at least 80% of the developed silver and the silver halide remains in the photographic light-sensitive material; and (d) recording the electric information on a recording medium, wherein, the step (c) is carried out with the scanner that exhibits a light diffusion coefficient of at least 0.8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Kouji Tashiro, Hiroaki Takano
  • Patent number: 6590671
    Abstract: In a printing system, a developed photo filmstrip is put in a film scanner to pick up image data from all picture frames photographed on the filmstrip. An index image of the picture frames is displayed based on the image data, so a user selects picture frames to print with reference to the index image while designating a print size to each picture frame. The image data of each designated picture frame is compressed at a rate that is decided according to the print size. The higher compression rate is used for the smaller the print size. The compressed image data and print order data are transferred to a work station of a photofinisher. The photofinisher reproduces the original image data from the compressed image data, and makes prints based on the image data and print order data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoto Kinjo
  • Publication number: 20030112481
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus having a light source for a transparent sheet of a scanner that includes a lamp, a reflective plate, a spreading plate and a protective plate. The light rays emitted by the lamp are used to scan a transparent sheet, the reflective plate in the arc shape reflects the light rays onto the scanning platform and there is an aperture on the predetermined position of the reflective plate to decrease the illumination for distributing uniformly the light rays. Besides, the spreading plate has a plurality of perforations to advance the light rays distributed uniformly. The protective plate made of the material pervious to light protects the components of this invention. As those described above, there are many advantages for the present invention, such as the structure is simple, the cost is low, and is much practical and can highly improve the performance of a scanner for a transparent sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: Mustek Systems , Inc.
    Inventors: Hsing-Tung Wang, Bing-Zhi Wang
  • Patent number: 6580065
    Abstract: A light diverting channel for use in a scanner. The channel is incorporated into the cover of a flat bed scanner and transmits light from the lamps positioned longitudinally along the scanner, up through the side of the channel, and through a central region or sheet of the channel, and then down through objects to be scanned. The light diverting channel thereby more efficiently uses the light generated by the lamps and more evenly disburses the light over and through the object to be scanned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Microtek International, Inc.
    Inventor: Loi Han
  • Publication number: 20030107781
    Abstract: An improved image processing technology capable of obtaining a synthesized image file having high reproducibility without causing missing image parts due to partial or complete overlap among extracted areas when a document image file is created via synthesis of character, graphic and photograph areas that have been extracted from image data obtained via reading of an original document and that have been subjected to image processing. According to this image processing technology, circumscribed rectangular areas for each effective image area of image data is extracted while complementing pixels other than pixels comprising the effective image area using prescribed complementary pixels, and the complementary pixels for the extracted areas are rendered transparent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Masahiro Ozawa
  • Publication number: 20030086131
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for placing and utilizing two or more indicia on a single transparency. In one embodiment, a method of using a transparency comprises, generating a composite image containing two or more indicia. The composite image includes a plurality of lines, wherein each line contains a portion of one of the two or more indicia. The plurality of lines are arranged so that at least some of the lines that make up each one of the two or more indicia are interposed between the lines that make up the other of the two or more indicia. The method further includes placing the lines that form the composite image on a transparency. A mask is used to selectively display one of the two or more indicia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Jamison B. Slippy
  • Patent number: 6549306
    Abstract: A method for remotely selecting and ordering photographic prints, includes the steps of: sending a photographic film bearing a plurality of latent images to a photofinisher; developing the photographic film to produce visible images and scanning the visible images to create a digital image file at the photo finisher; producing an index print having a plurality of images from the photographic film along with an index number associated with each image and an order number; sending the index print to a customer; selecting images for which prints are desired from the index print; ordering photographic prints via telephone from the customer's home to the photofinisher, specifying the order number and the index numbers associated with the images for which prints are desired; and making photographic prints of the selected images at the photofinisher and sending the photographic prints to the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John Randall Fredlund, David Lynn Patton, Roger R. A. Morton, Steven Bruce Paciocco
  • Patent number: 6542262
    Abstract: In order to accurately perform correction of focal distance and color of film before pre-scanning, the image at the generally center area of the first frame of film is read in a first pre-scan, auto-focusing and judgment between negative/positive is made, exposure parameters are set in a second pre-scanning, and the image is read in main scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Tachibana, Takanori Kodaira, Makoto Miyawaki
  • Publication number: 20030058487
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for transparency optimization. In one arrangement, the system and method pertain to analyzing a document that is to be printed on a transparency, determining whether the document formatting is optimized for transparency printing, and alerting a user if the document formatting is not optimized for transparency printing. In another arrangement, the system and method pertain to analyzing a document to determine whether the document is a transparency document, determining whether the scanning resolution is appropriate for scanning a transparency where the document is determined to be a transparency document, and alerting a user if the scanning resolution is not appropriate for scanning a transparency where the document is a transparency document and the scanning resolution is inappropriate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel Travis Lay
  • Publication number: 20030058488
    Abstract: A document holding fixture for a vertical optical scanner. The fixture has a main body, a transparent panel, four linking bars, a document cover panel, and a document backing plate. The document holding fixture uses a simple four linking bar system to maintain a constant parallelism between the document cover panel and the surface of the transparent panel. Weight of the document cover panel provides necessary pressure to press a scan document firmly onto the glass surface of the transparent panel. To facilitate single hand document insertion, a stationing device is used to freeze the document cover panel when the panel reaches a horizontal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Hsiu-O Hsu
  • Publication number: 20030053099
    Abstract: An image is read from a photo film by a scanner. Data of the read image is transferred to an image processing unit to process the image. When reading and processing the image, setting items are changed in accordance with a mode. In a high-image-quality mode, is executed at least one of the items including increment of a read pixel number, improvement of an SN ratio, correcting processes, reduction of an electronic magnification, and monitoring. In a high-speed mode, is executed at lease one of the items including reduction of the read pixel number, omission of the correcting processes, increment of the electronic magnification, omission of monitoring, and omission or reduction of automatic focusing. The mode is selected so as to meet an operational purpose so that the image is efficiently read.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasunobu Sakaguchi
  • Publication number: 20030038994
    Abstract: A cold-cathode ray tube is adopted as an exposure lamp and the exposure lamp is always lit. When the exposure lamp exists at a standby position, a light of the exposure lamp is irradiated at a lower surface side of a control panel. By this irradiation, the liquid crystal display section of the control panel is irradiated in a state of looking bright and clear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Applicant: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Michiaki Konno
  • Publication number: 20030035153
    Abstract: A method for detecting defects on a transparent film in a scanner is disclosed. The scanner has a light source for exposing the transparent film. The method includes using the light source to expose the transparent film for a first predetermined time to generate a first image, using the light source to expose the transparent film for a second predetermined time to generate a second image, and comparing differences between the first image and the second image according to a time ratio of the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time so as to detect the defects on the transparent film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: Chin-Yuan Lin
  • Publication number: 20030030856
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to extend the life of the light source while uniformizing the illuminance intensity in the main scanning direction. The invention is based on a light source of image reading apparatus comprised of film layers laminated on a transparent substrate in the order of a transparent electrode, an area light emitter and a metal electrode, and emitting light by impressing a specific voltage on these two electrodes. And an area light emitter column configured by arranging area light emitters corresponding to each color of R (red), G (green) and B (blue) in the sub scanning direction, or a monochrome area light emitter is arranged repeatedly in the main scanning direction. Accordingly, even when somewhere in the light emitting element has a defect like the film thickness is thin, the current gathering at this point with the low resistance value becomes a very small volume. Therefore, it would not occur that the film burns out from here.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuroh Nakamura, Masakazu Mizusaki, Ken-ichi Masumoto
  • Patent number: 6519023
    Abstract: A transparency scanning mechanism of a CIS scanner for scanning a transparency includes a plane light source mounted on the upper cover of the scanner, for projecting the transparency. A guide device is mounted on the upper cover and located adjacent to the plane light source for guiding the transparency to face the plane light source. Thus, the CIS scanner may be used to scan the transparency. The scanning mechanism and the upper cover may be made integrally, thereby decreasing cost of fabrication. In addition, the upper cover may be provided with a driving device and/or a retaining device adjacent to the guide device, to mate with movement of the transparency, so that the transparency may be moved conveniently, thereby preventing the transparency from being tilted and deviated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Avision Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Chang
  • Publication number: 20030025952
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved transparency scanning module, which is applied on a cover of scanning device. The transparency scanning module and the cover can be taken apart for different consuming groups. The features of the invention are that transparency scanning module is embedded in cover, and a slot of cover for holding transparency scanning module is set plural fillisters, and there are plural connectors set on the relative positions of transparency scanning module for connecting each other. When the fillisters connecting with the connectors, transparency scanning module is able to offer light and also transparency scanning module and cover are combined and fixed each other closely; on the other hand, rim of transparency scanning module is thinner, and most central part is protruding in z direction, thus transparency scanning module can be inserted and held in the slot of cover. This is another design for closely combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Fang Po-Hua
  • Publication number: 20030020970
    Abstract: A transparency adapter for use with a scanner comprising a scanner light source, a scanner platen and a scanner lid. The transparency adapter comprises a light table comprising a stationary light source separate from the scanner light source. The stationary light source comprises a light table operating state for illuminating transparent media for viewing and a transparency adapter operating state for illuminating transparent media while it is being scanned by the scanner, thereby creating a scanned image of the transparent media, the scanned image having an output orientation. The transparency adapter further comprises at least one mounting device on the light table to hold the transparent media in an input orientation during the light table operating state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: William R. Haas, Paul M. Leuthaeuser
  • Publication number: 20030016404
    Abstract: A template for a scanning system that comprises a template body and an actuation device for actuating a switch is provided. A transparent media adapter for a scanning system comprising a switch actuatable by an actuation device and an adapter housing having a signal transmission mechanism therein is provided. A scanner system comprising a template having an actuation device, a reflective scanner and a transparent media adapter comprising a switch actuatable by the actuation device and operable to transmit a signal upon actuation thereof to a computer is provided. A method of scanning an image on a transparent media comprising actuating a switch on a transparent media adapter, transmitting a signal to a computer upon actuation of the switch and directing the scanning system to execute a scan routine upon reception of the signal is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Kirk Steven Tecu, William Robert Haas, David William Boll
  • Publication number: 20030016405
    Abstract: A template for a scanner system comprising a template body and an element for generating an optical pattern when scanned by the scanner system is provided. A method of scanning an image on a transparent media comprising executing a reflective scan by the scanner system over a predefined carriage translation distance, comparing data imaged during the reflective scan with a reference pattern and determining subsequent scan procedures based upon the results of the comparison is provided. A scanner system comprising a reflective scanner, a transparent media adapter operable to backlight a transparent media and a template comprising an element for generating an optical pattern when scanned by the reflective scanner is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Kirk Steven Tecu, William Robert Haas, David William Boll